Ban on all Cultural Festivities in Igboland Remains, Says South-East Monarchs’ Chairman

The Chairman of the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze E.C. Okeke, who also serves as the traditional ruler of Amaifeke Ancient Royalty, has reiterated that the ban on cultural festivities across Igboland remains in effect. This decision reflects the region’s mourning for the recent loss of prominent Igbo figures, including Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Ifeanyi Ubah, Ogbonnaya Onu, and Ngozi Onwenu.

In a press statement signed by Eze Okeke, he emphasized that the mourning period, declared by the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, underscores the gravity of these losses. He urged the public, particularly leaders of Igbo associations and organizations across the South-East, to respect the directive as the region honors these distinguished individuals who passed away and were recently laid to rest.

Eze Okeke highlighted the profound impact of these losses on the Igbo community, noting that their collective passing represents a significant blow to the region. In light of this, the council deemed it necessary to cancel all events related to the annual Igbo New Yam Festival for 2024, which traditionally involves stakeholders such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo, state governments, traditional rulers, and other prominent figures.

Continuing with such celebrations, he stated, would be inappropriate and insensitive given the circumstances. “It would have amounted to self-ridicule and obvious insensitivity to Ndigbo if the region had continued with such centralized gatherings to celebrate while it is expected to mourn and reflect on the calamitous loss of top Igbo leaders,” Eze Okeke remarked.

The chairman also issued a stern warning to those who might defy the ban, labeling any breach of this directive as an affront to the Igbo people. He cautioned that violators might face further scrutiny regarding their intentions or knowledge surrounding the untimely deaths of these leaders. “We shall consider whoever violates or attempts to breach this sacred decision as a great enemy of Ndigbo,” he warned.